99, Camry LE does not start

[abhijitk]

My camry does not start, the starter just clicks,
I did some research on various forums and got the information about why and how to change the contact points of the starter and where to buy them.
But i went to the car and could not figure out how to remove the starter, as it did not look same as shown on various forums.
Could any one help me with how to remove the starter from the camry, any information would be appretiated.

1999 Camry LE.

Thanks,

[TriumphGT6]

There are usually two posts on the starter solenoid, with your key in the ignition in the on position, touch the wire from one post to the other. If the car starts, you have a bad starter solenoid and you should replace it (On my Lincoln it was $15).

If that isn't it, test the battery to see if its got a full charge. If it doesn't, charge it and come back later. If the battery dies again, have your alternator tested, and if its bad, replace it. If it's good and the battery keeps on dying, then you have a power draw in the electrical system, and you will have to find out where that is.

Hopefully it isn't any more than any of those two as other problems are much more costly and timely to diagnose and repair.

Good Luck, a dead Camry is a sad sight to see.

[TriumphGT6]

Here's what the car manual says to do to replace the starter. The starter on the 4cyl (procedure below) is above the engine over the transmission. If yours is a V6, just reply saying so, and I'll post that too.

Avalon and Camry 4cyl

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Negative battery cable. On models equipped with an air bag, work must NOT be started until at least 90 seconds have passed from the time that both the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position and the negative cable is disconnected from the battery.
   • With cruise control, the battery
   • With cruise control, the actuator and bracket
   • Wiring from the starter
   • Starter
3. Installation is the reverse of removal.

[abhijitk]

I checked the battery, it shows blue in the indicator and as per the instructions on the battery, blue means it is in a good/charged condition.

The posts on starter, you mean the two long bolts that hold the starter on the engine block?
It may sound a very stupid question but I am looking first time in the car engine, so please guide.

Thanks.

[TriumphGT6]

The starter solenoid has 2 screws that stick out that keep two wires connected to itself.

[TriumphGT6]

When the keyswitch is turned, it bridges the connection allowing power to the starter. If its bad, it wont let the starter do its job.

I FOUND THE SOLUTION!!!

Ok, I said sometime back that I'd get a pictorial showing how to repair the ' click ' problem our starters are notorious for. Well here we go...




If you have a 5 sided cover such as this one on your starter, the click problem is very cheaply repaired.



Remove the 3 small bolts or screws that hold this cover on. A plunger spring and gasket will all come off with the cover. Ignore the fact that I took this picture with the motor part off. DO NO remove and screws or bolts from the motor itself, but do remove the nut holding the motor's wire to the stud. You should see something similar to this..




Remove the larger nuts that hold the studs in, be careful not to break the wires that this terminal is attached to...




You can clean it a little bit, since I strip these to rebuild I clean with a glass bead blaster, comes out like this..




First part to put back in is the insulator on the starter side...




Then slide the contact in behind the terminal...(your contact may look different, but same principal)



Then slide the stud in ...





Slip the o-ring on..



Then the metal washer..



And the large nut. The battery stud comes out as a unit, normally pressed together...





As I said, contacts may differ a little in appearance, I replace with upgrades whenever possible...




Now with both contacts replaced we need to clean the plunger, a wire brush will do...






Put it back together, back on car, and look this thread up again 80,000 miles from now....

[abhijitk]

Yes, I read the same message and pics (posted above) to fix the starter.
Thanks for that.

But i am stuck with how to remove the starter first
Just went back to the car, please correct if i am looking at the right thing.
1) Right behind the Battery there is the air filter,
2) On left of the battery there is a black box like thing of size approx 4inches by 4 inches which i guess is the actuator and its bracket
3) On left of the filter, behind the actuator is the starter, its at a lower level then then the filter and actuator.

Hope i am looking at right spot.

This being my first time dont want to mess things up and then spend more time and money on fixing it.

[AutoBox]

TriumphGT6 that was an awesome write up
...left click file...save entire page thanks

[abhijitk]

Thanks guys for all your time and inputs,
Finally I used my AAA membership and called the battery technician to diagnore the problem ( this serivce is free to members) he confirmed that the battery is weak and needs recharge to replace to be on safe side.
There is nothing wrong with any other part, Thank god saved me a lot.
Going to get a "BOSH" battery with 650 cost crank from Pepboys for $80 with 95 months warranty.